Pieralisi Group Expands Strategic Presence in Tunisia: New Markets, Innovation Center, and Italy-Tunisia Cooperation
During his recent visit to Tunisia, Aldino Zeppeli, CEO of the Pieralisi Group, met with Alessandro Prunas, the Italian Ambassador to Tunisia, and Bernard Prevete, Director of the ICE – Italian Agency for Foreign Trade in Tunisia.
These high-level discussions focused on the Pieralisi Group’s development prospects in Tunisia, the strengthening of economic and industrial cooperation between the two nations, and opportunities to expand its operations into regional markets.
Strategic Vision and Capital Injection
During the exchanges, Aldino Zeppeli outlined the Group’s strategic direction, international positioning, and medium-term development outlook. Key topics included Pieralisi’s international expansion and the recent injection of new capital designed to support growth across its various markets.
Leveraging its historical experience in Tunisia and deep understanding of the local olive oil and industrial ecosystem, the Group intends to progressively strengthen its presence in the country. This strategy involves:
- Consolidating local activities.
- Valuing Tunisian skills and expertise.
- Developing human capital.
- Facilitating the transfer of competencies and know-how.
The stated objective is to enhance local capabilities and create greater value in Tunisia, while enabling the Group to better navigate the evolving dynamics of regional markets.
Beyond Olive Oil: Exploring New Market Segments
While olive oil processing remains the core of Pieralisi’s activity in Tunisia, the Group is also looking to broaden the application of its technologies.
Key areas identified for potential development include:
- Separation Systems Division (SSD): Expanding solutions for the agri-food sector.
- Waste Management: Treating wastewater and sludge from industrial and agri-food activities.
These applications could ultimately allow Pieralisi to diversify its technological offering in Tunisia, addressing new industrial and agri-food needs.
Proposed "Pieralisi Africa Excellence & Innovation Center"
Among the forward-looking initiatives discussed is the gradual establishment of a "Pieralisi Africa Excellence & Innovation Center" in Tunisia, with a regional mandate.
Currently in the conceptual and progressive development phase, this project aims to:
- Strengthen activities related to innovation, training, and competency transfer.
- Enhance industrial services.
- Adapt the Group’s technological solutions to the specific needs of regional markets.
This initiative aligns with the broader dynamics of cooperation between Italy and Africa, particularly regarding skill development, technology transfer, investment, and value creation.
Italy-Tunisia as a Lever for Industrial Cooperation
Discussions with the ICE also centered on ways to strengthen connections between Pieralisi, Tunisian companies, and the Italian industrial ecosystem.
The primary goals are to facilitate networking and identify new opportunities for cooperation, investment, and value creation. The Italian Embassy emphasized the importance of bringing together companies, investors, institutions, centers of excellence, and innovation actors.
The potential to mobilize the Italian ecosystem in areas such as foreign trade, industry, research, training, and financing was also highlighted, along with the potential of public-private partnerships to support key structural projects.
Conclusion: A Strategic Hub for Regional Growth
With 138 years of industrial history, Pierlisi intends to continue its development by leveraging its strategic markets, technological expertise, and local and institutional partnerships.
In this strategy, Tunisia is positioned as a potential springboard for the Group’s expansion into regional markets, sitting at the intersection of its industrial expertise, Tunisian competencies, and the strengthening of cooperation between Italy, Tunisia, and Africa.
